Quebec City, Canada
“Similar to a play having been written 50 years ago, we had to revitalize le Grand Theatre using a new script that would resonate with a new generation, all while respecting and embracing Prus’ original work,” states Eric Pelletier, architect and design principal at Lemay.
Lemay and Atelier 21 have completed the restoration of the prized brutalist icon the Grand Théâtre de Québec adding a new envelope to restore and protect the buildings crumbling outer shell and its emblematic Bonet mural, inside.
The original building was built in 1971 by Canadian architect Victor Prus.
The new envelope is a delicate response to a complex problem. In developing corrective measures for the building’s many weaknesses, the transdisciplinary team produced a sustainable, innovative solution: adding a transparent, glass curtain wall to the concrete structure.
The new envelope is a delicate response to a complex problem. In developing corrective measures for the building’s many weaknesses, the transdisciplinary team produced a sustainable, innovative solution: adding a transparent, glass curtain wall to the concrete structure.
As designed, the thin wall of protective glass shields the Grand Théâtre from the elements by creating a secondary, tempered envelope housing a low-flow heat recovery and thermal mass system.
The system is both energy-efficient and economical. Beyond its primary function, the new layer acts as an extension of the original building it protects, using the same finely tuned structural logic and composition.
“Any alteration to the architecture had to be severely limited,” states Pelletier.
“The building’s fragility paired with the inability to directly access the concrete anchors posed a major challenge – with work on the building proceeding during normal daytime and evening theatre operations.”
Project: Restoration of the Grand Théâtre de Québec
Architects: Lemay and Atelier 21
Original Architect: Victor Prus (1971)
Client: Grand Théâtre de Québec
Photographers: Stephane Groleau
